Beware of scams when preparing for winter storms

As February approaches, Texas residents may be taking action to prepare for another possible winter storm, much like the one that shut down the state in 2021. Preparing for winter storms is a process that many Texans may be unfamiliar with, as winter temperatures in the Lone Star state typically average above the freezing threshold. However, consumers are taking the lessons learned in 2021 to heart and are preparing for worst-case scenarios by purchasing generators, hiring landscapers to manage tree limbs and winterizing their plumbing systems.

Scammers are also carrying out a series of cons focused on appealing toward the winter-wary consumer. In October 2021, one Texas resident reported to BBB Scam Tracker they encountered an online scam when attempting to purchase a solar generator advertised on Facebook to prepare for a possible repeat of February’s winter storm.

“I was first aware this was probably a scam when I got an order confirmation email from a Hotmail address and received no response when I requested to cancel the order,” the consumer reported. “The company provided a fake tracking number to PayPal when I disputed the charge, which showed the item was delivered the day after I placed the order. I will probably never receive reimbursement of my funds.”